Rats and mice are common household pests, especially during the colder months of the year, as they seek shelter and warmth. Rodents can spread diseases, contaminate food, and cause a fire hazard by chewing through electrical wiring. That’s why it is essential to get rid of them as quickly as possible. Knowing what type of rodent is in your home can help you get the right products and sizes of traps. The four most common pest rodents in Toronto are: the house mouse, deer mouse, Norway rat, and roof rat.
House Mouse
Perhaps the most troublesome pest rodent in the entire world is the house mouse (mus musculus). They have adapted to living alongside humans and can survive in nearly any environment. The house mouse has a pointed nose, large round ears, small black beady eyes, and a long hairy tail. House mice are normally gray, brown, or black with lighter fur underneath. Their bodies are approximately 7-10 cm long, plus a tail of 5-10 cm.
Deer Mouse
The deer mouse is more likely to be found in rural areas, around farm animals, in wooded environments, or living in sheds, barns, etc. They can live inside but prefer the outdoors. Deer mice are particularly problematic because they are major carriers of hantavirus, which can be spread to humans. Deer mice are about 15 cm from tip to tail. They are different than house mice because they have larger eyes and almost always have 2-tone coloring. Their fur is usually brown on top with a white underbelly and limbs. They are known as deer mice because they are very agile and good jumpers and runners.
Norway Rat
The brown rat (rattus norvegicus) goes by many names including: common rat, house rat, sewer rat, and Norway rat. They are the largest of the common pest rodents, averaging 28 cm long and weighing up to 500 grams. Brown rats have a rounded, blunt snout, black beady eyes, small ears, and brown or gray fur. They either live below ground in burrows or at ground level. They are commonly found in wood piles, rubbish bins, sewers, and sometimes even in homes.
Roof Rat
The black rat (rattus rattus) is also commonly called the roof rat or ship rat. Roof rats differ quite a lot from brown rats. They are significantly smaller in size, but often have longer tails than brown rats. They also have large ears that may be nearly hairless and are mostly black or dark brown with a lighter underside. Black rats are good climbers and live in trees or upper levels of buildings. They often access homes through the roof or eaves. The chart below can help with distinguishing differences between some of the common rodents.
Toronto Rodent Control
Rodent control must start with sanitation and exclusion efforts. Seal the exterior of your home to prevent entry and practice good sanitation by keeping your home clean and the exterior decluttered and trimmed. Professional rodent control can also help with your efforts. For effective Toronto pest control solutions, GTA Toronto Pest Control, is your best bet for great service. Our expert technicians and friendly staff will help ensure that your home is safe and pest free. For Toronto rodent control, trust GTA Toronto Pest Control to get the job done right.
